Can teens use AHA and BHA together? A gentle guide to exfoliation for acne-prone skin
- Natasha Venter
- Aug 11, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
If your teen’s skin looks dull, feels bumpy, or breaks out easily, gentle exfoliation can be a helpful part of a routine.
Two groups of acids do most of the work:
AHAs (like lactic acid and malic acid)
BHA (salicylic acid)
Yes, teens can use AHA and BHA together when products are formulated gently, used consistently, and paired with daily sunscreen.
In balanced formulas, these ingredients can help lift built-up surface cells, unclog pores, and refine skin texture, without the irritation caused by harsh physical scrubs (Chen et al., 2018; Arif, 2015).
What are AHAs and BHA? (In plain English)
AHAs are water-soluble acids that work mainly on the skin’s surface. They help loosen dead skin cells, improving:
rough texture
dullness
uneven-looking skin
Lactic acid is widely studied for gentle exfoliation, while malic acid is known for mild, skin-friendly action (Tang & Yang, 2018; Karwal et al., 2023).
Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, meaning it can move into oily pores.
It is commonly used to support:
blackheads
clogged pores
blemish-prone teen skin
This is why BHA is a mainstay ingredient in acne-focused routines (Arif, 2015).
What does the research say about acids for teen skin?
When hydroxy acids are used appropriately:
Similar benefits across acids: Superficial acids can improve texture and congestion with generally good tolerability in balanced formulas (Chen et al., 2018).
Salicylic acid for pore buildup: Salicylic acid has a long history of use in reducing blackheads and congestion (Arif, 2015).
AHAs for smoother texture: Lactic and malic acids support gentle exfoliation, but their activity depends on formulation, concentration, and pH (Tang & Yang, 2018; Karwal et al., 2023).
Rinse-off products are gentler: Mild acid cleansers provide exfoliation with minimal contact time. Studies show negligible penetration of AHAs from rinse-off products (Okuda et al., 2011).
Sunscreen is essential: Hydroxy acids can increase UV sensitivity, so daily broad-spectrum SPF is important (Kornhauser et al., 2009).
Can teens use AHA and BHA together?
Yes, when:
the routine is simple and gentle
acids are not combined with harsh scrubs
products are used consistently, not aggressively
sunscreen is applied every morning
For teen skin, consistency matters far more than intensity.
How Upenya combines AHA and BHA gently
Upenya uses acids in teen-appropriate formats, supporting exfoliation without harsh stripping.
Morning routine
Upenya Exfoliating Cleanser (lactic + malic acids)→ Upenya Moisturising Gel→ Upenya Blemish Care (salicylic acid on problem areas)→ Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily
Evening routine
Upenya Exfoliating Cleanser (lactic + malic acids)→ Upenya Blemish Care (on blemish-prone areas)→ Upenya Moisturising Gel
This routine supports clearer-looking pores while helping teen skin feel calm and balanced.
Sensible exfoliation rules for teens
Avoid harsh scrubs and over-cleansing, they increase irritation
Start gently and stay consistent, don’t overdo acids
Use sunscreen daily, especially with exfoliating ingredients
Seek professional advice if acne becomes painful, severe, or scarring
Conclusion: Gentle acids can work well for teen skin
Yes, teens can use AHA and BHA together when products are formulated for sensitive, acne-prone skin and used in a simple routine.
Lactic and malic acids help refresh the skin’s surface, while salicylic acid supports clearer pores, offering effective exfoliation without the damage often caused by harsh physical scrubs.
References
Chen, X. et al. (2018). Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open, 8, e019607. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019607
Arif, T. (2015). Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 8, pp. 455–461. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S84765
Tang, S-C. and Yang, J-H. (2018). Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin. Molecules, 23(4), 863. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23040863
Karwal, K. et al. (2023). Topical alpha-hydroxy acids in dermatology: formulations, mechanisms of action, efficacy, and future perspectives. Cosmetics, 10(5), 131. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics10050131
Okuda, M. et al. (2011). Negligible penetration of incidental amounts of alpha-hydroxy acids from rinse-off products (in vitro). Toxicology in Vitro, 25(8), pp. 1753–1758. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tiv.2011.09.003
Kornhauser, A., Coelho, S.G. and Hearing, V.J. (2009). Effects of topically applied glycolic and salicylic acid on UV-induced erythema, DNA damage and sunburn cells in human skin. Journal of Dermatological Science, 55(1), pp. 10–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdermsci.2009.03.001
Comments